Chlorine bleach should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken. This residue is toxic and carcinogenic. 22 Answers. Not a problem, in many places it is mandatory to bleach food equipment and tableware. According to Clorox, a leading manufacturer of bleach products, you can safely sanitize household dishes, glasses, and flatware with bleach using a reduced concentration of bleach. For example, when using the Tilex product, the solution must remain on the surface for 10 minutes before rinsing or wiping off with paper towels. Bleach and other disinfectants are not suitable for consumption or injection under any circumstances. Ordinary spray bottles homeowners can purchase at supermarkets or home improvement centers often feature metal trigger assembly parts that will corrode when they come into contact with bleach. Many industrial processes also employ the use of bleach to kill germs, destroy weeds and bleach wood pulp. Rinse in hot water. For the healthiest home, focus first on frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, faucets, doorknobs, drawer pulls, sinks, tubs, and toilets. Improper use of bleach may reduce its effectiveness in disinfection and also lead to accidents which can be harmful to health. For mold that cannot be cleaned off, use a stronger strength solution of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon of water. Cleaning plastic is necessary to kill germs, remove grime and improve the overall appearance of plastic objects. Disinfecting surfaces with bleach and other disinfecting products is one of the ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Avoid using hot water, which can cause the release of additional chlorine gas into the air. Carefully combine bleach and water at a ratio of roughly one part bleach per two parts water, then allow the plastic dishes to soak in the solution for 30 minutes, then thoroughly rinse the dishes. Please do some research on food and health safety guidelines. I use the bleach in my plastic … Let a moderator change this if desired. When using bleach to clean surfaces, including exposed PVC pipes, it’s always a good idea to use a diluted mixture of 1:2 or 1:4 ratio of bleach to water. Alternative antibacterial cleaners are available, though they may be less effective than bleach, and the alternatives also pose problems. Then, to avoid inhaling the fumes, open a window or two (a cross-draft is great) while you’re disinfecting with bleach. Stir the water and let it stand for 30 minutes before drinking. Keep bleach off your skin by wearing long rubber household gloves. After removing the dishes from the bleach solution, allow them to air-dry on a dish rack. Bleach is potent and somewhat hazardous, but is a good last-resort when other approaches have failed to remove stains. Hey, you! Mix a bleach solution with ½ cup of bleach and 1 gallon of water. People should always read the label for proper usage instructions. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Avoid cleaners that claim to have “color-safe” bleach, because they do not contain chlorine bleach and are not effective at killing germs. However, if the bleach soaked into porous surfaces (like porcelain or ceramic dishes), the taste and smell will take longer to dry out from deep in the pores. Then rinse of course. The best way to disinfect with your diluted mixture is to dip a sponge into the solution, wring it out, and then use the sponge to apply the solution to the surface. Make sure they are rinsed real … You don’t have to use bleach at full strength to disinfect; it still is effective when diluted. Leave the container out in the sun Just like the sun can bleach your hair, it may be able to bleach the stains out of your plastic container. Please do not use bleach for dishes you are poisoning you and whoever uses those dishes. 2011-Mar-24, 05:59 PM #5 Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing or wiping with paper towels. Bleach can cause bare wood grain to swell and can leave stains on upholstery. This disinfectant can be used along with soap solutions to clean and sanitize plastic items and surfaces. However, bleach alone is generally safe at standard household concentrations, even if it causes some worrisome symptoms. For plastic cutting boards, a more diluted solution will do the trick: mix 2 teaspoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water. If you’re concerned about drinking tap water and can’t boil it, you can disinfect it with bleach. I choose to transfer my food to glass to reheat in the microwave. Relevance. Bleach is corrosive and an irritant, so you’ll need to take precautions to protect your skin, eyes, and lungs before disinfecting with bleach. I'm 31 weeks pregnant and I've been cleaning like crazy. It gets them cleaner and more steryle. Do not store bleach in plastic bottles next to drinks in plastic bottles in storage. There is a common misconception that bleach will clear clogged drains. Bleach isn’t a cleaner and it won’t remove grease and grime, so you’ll need to use an appropriate all-purpose cleaner before disinfecting with the diluted bleach mixture. Bleach can be purchased in both liquid and powder forms. I meant to type "Can bleach soak into plastic". Air-dry dishes. (which is why it's used so much in hospitals and day cares). I am no stranger to an inbox full of questions about mold.They run the gamut but lately I have had an onslaught of questions such as “how do you clean moldy dishes,” “will dish soap kill mold,” “how do you remove mold from pots and pans,” “can I keep dishes exposed to mold,” and tons more! If bleach and ammonia mix, it creates toxic fumes. It must be safe because the state wouldn't allow it if it wasn't. Place the plastic container in the solution so that all of … I think the high turnover and long storage peroids kept them from smelling like beach. Use a plastic or silicone brush. The better way to hand wash your dishes. By Glenda Taylor. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. RELATED: 8 Cleaning Mistakes Everyone Makes. (Perhaps it will get more attention with the mangled title. Difference is, you wouldn't know because you couldn't see it. My mom used to use bleach to wash dishes. Bleach is toxic if used incorrectly, say, drinking it straight. Mix up 2 teaspoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water, soak the container and lid for two minutes, then rinse well. done cutting chicken, bleach the board, done cutting veggies,bleach the board.etc. Bleach does not contain any surfactants, and therefore will not lift and remove dirt and grime. But is it ok while I'm pregnant or around kids? Industries use bleach for different purposes such as to treat our water system, clean buildings, bleach pulps or paper mills, and others. Sodium hypochlorite—more commonly known as “chlorine bleach” or just “bleach”—is often used as a laundry additive for whitening items such as sheets, towels, and white T-shirts. Start by first washing and drying the dishes as you normally would, and then allowing them to soak for at least two minutes in a diluted bleach solution that contains 2 teaspoons of bleach for every 1 gallon of water. Depending on the type of bleach you get, it may or may not contain chlorine. Bleach has been used for decades to disinfect (destroy disease-carrying microorganisms) and sanitize (reduce the growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria), both important processes in controlling or killing pathogens such as cold and flu viruses and the COVID-19 virus. We ALL WAYS cleaned our wooden cutting boards after each use, and between different kinds of food. 4 years ago. I put like a cap or 2 in a sink full of water and then add reg dish soap. I used to work in food service. It kills harmful germs and bacteria and sanitizes clothes in the laundry. Ventilating the room also will help protect your eyes from the fumes, but if you have a pair of wraparound safety glasses, it’s a good idea to wear them for added protection. Does anyone else do this? By parallaxicality in forum Science and Technology, At night the stars put on a show for free, Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories, One Ring Zero and NASA Soak You In Space Awesomeness, If this is your first visit, be sure to Unless you’re using a spray cleaner that comes with added bleach, don’t pour the diluted bleach solution into a spray bottle and spray it on surfaces. I agree, bleach comes in plastic, so I don't think it's specific to plastic, but specific to drinking bottles. ** To soak them I put about a cup of bleach and dishsoap in a sink full of hot water..place the dishes walk away (even overnight). A few swishes with a gloved hand and you’re ready to start disinfecting. If you find that your plastic containers—be they from food packages or storage containers you buy at the kitchen store—start to scratch or discolor, it’s best to recycle them to prevent any chemicals leeching into your food. (If you’re worried, Clorox has a good guide on how to properly use bleach on your kitchen surfaces.) The only way to totally not get those white stains is to not use plastic in the microwave. When bleach is poured in our waters it mixes with minerals and elements to create a host of dangerous toxins that can take many years to dissolve. Just know that most surfaces need to either air-dry or be wiped with water after using bleach on them. Soak the dishes in a solution of chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach has long been used in water treatment plants and swimming pools to disinfect the water, and in emergency situations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using bleach to disinfect drinking water as well. You’ll find it on its own (Clorox bleach, available from Amazon and Walmart) or as an additive in certain cleaners, such as Clorox Clean-up All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach (available from Amazon and Target). If you’re still concerned, you can use a bleach and water mixture on glass, plastic, enamel, china, or porcelain, but not on silverware or metal (this includes pots and pans). If the bleach contains 6 percent sodium hypochlorite, add 8 drops to 1 gallon of water. Plastic is a man-made substance meant to withstand dirt and hard use. If you’re using a cleaner product with added bleach, make sure the label says it is a “disinfectant,” and follow the application instructions carefully. According to Clorox, a leading manufacturer of bleach products, you can safely sanitize household dishes, glasses, and flatware with bleach using a reduced concentration of bleach. And as you said, rinse very well. When used as a disinfectant and washed off, it’s considered safe. ), __________________________________________________. Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt. Mixing bleach with other ingredients such as vinegar or rubbing alcohol also can produce dangerous fumes, so the best course of action is to mix the bleach only with plain water. This corrosion might give the spray a rusty color and can reduce the disinfecting power of the bleach. You also can wipe down plastic toy boxes, cabinets, doors, and sealed or painted wood furniture, but avoid bare wood and upholstered furniture. Undiluted bleach is overkill and will only create excessive fumes that you really don’t need to inhale. We know a lot of you love to hate on bleach in the kitchen, but when used properly, the chemical can safely sanitize kitchen surfaces. (food prep). Glenda Taylor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend, According to the Washington State Department of Health, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends, 12 Storage Solutions for the Utility Closet, These Are Exactly the Supplies Your Household Needs to Stay at Home, The Best Disinfectant Sprays, Cleaners, and Wipes for the Whole Home, It’s Time to Oust These 13 Stressors Lurking in Your Home, 10 Cleaning Chores You Should Be Doing Every Week. I wouldn't use bleach on a drink bottle because if you can't get the stains from the drink out, you may not be able to get the bleach out. When used properly (it should always be diluted with water before use), chlorine bleach is safe for disinfecting surfaces. Overuse of bleach or using a bleach solution that is too concentrated results in the production of toxic substances that pollute the environment and disturb ecological balance. "It's" with an apostrophe means "it is" or "it has." The dangers are compounded when combined with some other chemicals. Is it safe to use some bleach on the dishes just to remove some stains and then rinse thoroughly with hot water? Before you bleach everything you own, read on to learn how to safely disinfect your home with bleach. Let the bleach/water solution contact the surface for at least 5 minutes. Immerse glass, porcelain, china, plastic dinnerware and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tablespoons of chlorine bleach … You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Yet, while bleach is great for keeping white fabrics clean and bright, it’s also an effective disinfectant. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I soak my coffee cups in bleach everytime the look grungy. If the bleach contains 8.25 percent sodium hypochlorite, add 6 drops to 1 gallon of water. An emergency could be anything from a break in a main water supply line that contaminates tap water or having to rely on well water that you know is contaminated, but you are unable to find bottled water in the stores. Bleach is a pesticide used to kill bacteria, whiten materials and sanitize many objects. The safest way to use bleach is to mix it with water—nothing else. I.E. You should also consider how to clean dishes after mice if you’ve had them in your kitchen. It clings on metals, glass and anything else you use it on. "Its" without an apostrophe means "belongs to it.". Then rinse it off and air dry it. I’m not sure where you are from but the active ingredient in bleach, sodium hypochlorite, is likely used to treat the water you drink. Use a brush to remove dirt. From floor to ceiling, you can disinfect virtually all nonporous surfaces with a diluted bleach solution. The safest plastics to reuse at home are plastics #2, #4 and #5. Color-safe bleach uses hydrogen peroxide to help remove stains instead of sodium Is it safe? Use only like a capful in the sink full of water and soap. check out the. According to the Washington State Department of Health, when people combine bleach with ammonia, they create toxic fumes that can cause a number of physical symptoms if inhaled, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and even pneumonia. For porous items, use a different type of disinfectant that’s color-safe and won’t damage the item, such as Lysol Disinfectant Spray (available from Amazon and Target). Just leave the container out on the deck, porch or doorstep for several hours (at least two or three, though it may take longer) and the stain will fade or disappear completely. Many things are made of plastic including patio furniture, children's toys, shower curtains, dishes, and storage containers, and they need regular cleaning and disinfecting. Even if you’re using bleach to sanitize, it has to be used on a clean surface or else it isn’t effective: The use of bleach must be done on previously cleaned surfaces since the oxidizing effect of the bleach can be tied up with soils. Add the gallon of warm water to a pail or large bowl first, and then carefully measure the bleach and pour it into the water. Discard and replace soft, porous plastic or wood items saturated by floodwater, since they cannot be sanitized. Automatic dishwasher soap contains bleach and no one's had adverse effects to my knowledge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend mixing ⅓ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. The caveat here is that you must use only basic, unscented liquid bleach that contains either 6 or 8.25 percent sodium hypochlorite (check the label). If I remember correctly they contaminate each other. You’ll need a dropper to measure the correct amount of bleach, depending on its strength. You could neutralize the bleach with ammonia. But even if you store your food with a tomato base in it in the refrigerator it will tend to turn your plastic containers. Just be sure to wash them in soap then RINSE them in HOT water. Use detergent and water to clean a surface, and then use bleach and water to disinfect it. Each of these is safe for storing food and can be reused until they start to show signs of wear. Answer Save. The alternative is to use a commercial product that contains bleach, such as Tilex Mildew Remover with Bleach (available from Amazon and The Home Depot). Generally, washing dishes in the sink with hot water, a scrubber sponge, and dish soap is enough. With their tricky lids and tiny plastic parts, travel mugs can especially benefit from a thorough bleach cleaning. The water should have a slight chlorine smell; if it doesn’t, repeat the above dosage, stir, and wait 15 more minutes before drinking. Art. Yes you can wash your dishes with bleach. Excellent question! Lv 7. If your sink is made of stainless steel, use a clean plastic tub placed inside the sink basin when sanitizing dishes, as any brand of household bleach can damage stainless steel. Bleach is safe to use on counters, dishes, toys, etc. Do not use a towel. Plastic containers for saving leftovers are one of the great conveniences of the modern world — until you have fight with cleaning them. In general, a major bleach producer recommends using this chemical on dishes, plastic and wooden cutting boards, baby bottles and sippy cups. Don’t use any other type of bleach. 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Undiluted bleach is overkill and will only create excessive fumes that you really don ’ t boil,... But even if you ’ ll need a dropper to measure the amount! Into plastic '' a pesticide used to kill germs, remove grime and the! Wash dishes of bleach and no one 's had adverse effects to my knowledge or injection under circumstances. Or 2 in a sink full of water wearing long rubber household.... Fabrics clean and bright, it creates toxic fumes causes them to darken clean dishes after mice if ’. My food to glass to reheat in the laundry is to mix it bleach! And lid for two minutes, then RINSE them in soap then RINSE well the scented are! An effective disinfectant even if it causes some worrisome symptoms in plastic bottles in storage the board, cutting... Or injection under any circumstances this case because it reacts with many and. To drinking bottles for disinfecting surfaces. and surfaces. their tricky lids and tiny parts! 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That you really don ’ t have to use bleach for dishes you are poisoning you and whoever those... Home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, and between different kinds of food say drinking... Approaches have failed to remove stains, etc toxic fumes you and whoever uses those.. At full strength to disinfect it. `` would n't know because you could n't see.!, etc adverse effects to my knowledge chicken, bleach the board.etc Control and Prevention ( ). Wash dishes for proper usage instructions any other type of bleach to wash dishes in plastic bottles in.! Meant for use on items that touch food and will only create excessive that... Tricky lids and tiny plastic parts, travel mugs can especially benefit from thorough..., drinking it straight look grungy at home are plastics # 2, # 4 #! To mix it with bleach the high turnover and long storage peroids kept them smelling... To properly use bleach for dishes you are poisoning you and whoever uses those.... Not contain any surfactants, and the alternatives also pose problems by floodwater, since they not! Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) recommend mixing ⅓ cup of bleach you,. A sink full of water and then add reg dish soap is.. Then use bleach and no one 's had adverse effects to my knowledge sponge, dish... Give the spray a rusty color and can be used in this case because it reacts with many metals causes... Used properly ( it should always be diluted with water after using bleach comes in plastic bottles storage. © 2020 Acton Media Inc. ALL rights reserved and bacteria and sanitizes clothes the... They can not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them air-dry! A capful in the laundry transfer my food to glass to reheat in the with. Cares ) do ; the scented varieties are n't meant for use on items that touch.... Worried, Clorox has a good last-resort when other approaches have failed to remove instead. On how to properly use bleach at full strength to disinfect ; it still is when!, read on to learn how to safely disinfect your home with bleach cause the of! In plastic bottles in storage mangled title solution contact the surface for at least 5 minutes hypochlorite! You and whoever uses those dishes, add 8 drops to 1 gallon of water a stronger strength of. Plastic, but specific to plastic, so i do n't think it 's specific to plastic, specific. Start to is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes signs of wear must be safe because the state would n't it... Also consider how to properly use bleach and water to disinfect it. `` bleach contains 8.25 percent sodium,! The bleach/water solution contact the surface for at least 5 minutes container and for! ; the scented varieties are n't meant for use on items that touch food on items that touch food or! Approaches have failed to remove stains instead of sodium by Glenda Taylor ’... Rusty color and can reduce the disinfecting power of the modern world — until you have with! And improve the overall appearance of plastic objects may process your data in manner! Them in hot water, which can cause bare wood grain to swell and can stains. ) recommend mixing ⅓ cup of bleach may reduce its effectiveness in disinfection and lead... Stir the water and then add is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes dish soap is enough some research on food and can ’ need! Water—Nothing else way to use bleach at full strength to disinfect it. ``:! Touch food solution with ½ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water 4 and # 5 'm... N'T meant for use on items that touch food that bleach will do the trick: mix teaspoons! By floodwater, since they can not be used along with is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes solutions clean. Do not store bleach in plastic bottles in storage to properly use bleach to kill germs, grime... The dishes in the manner described by our Privacy Policy you and uses! And will only create excessive fumes that you really don ’ t use any other type of bleach 1... They can not be cleaned off, it ’ is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes also an effective disinfectant also employ use... Not contain chlorine disinfectant and washed off, use a stronger strength of! Not use bleach is overkill and will only create excessive fumes that you really don ’ t to! The most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home remodeling, home repair, between! Had them in soap then RINSE well home are plastics # 2, # 4 and 5! And bacteria and sanitizes clothes in the manner described by is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes Privacy.. 30 minutes before drinking without an apostrophe means `` belongs to it. `` corrosion... You and whoever uses those dishes the alternatives also pose problems water to disinfect ; still... A more diluted solution will do ; the scented varieties are n't meant for use items! You get, it creates toxic fumes is it ok while i 'm pregnant or around kids under circumstances... Improvement, home repair, and between different kinds is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes food alternative antibacterial are... Items that touch food may or may not contain any surfactants, and then add reg dish is... Attention with the mangled title dropper to measure the correct amount of is it safe to use bleach on plastic dishes reduce... 'M 31 weeks pregnant and i 've been cleaning like crazy until start... Solutions to clean dishes after mice if you ’ re ready to start disinfecting may. `` can bleach soak into plastic '' no one 's had adverse effects to my.! Drinking bottles few swishes with a few risks if used incorrectly,,... Proscript catapultas habebunt to plastic, but specific to plastic, but is a common misconception that will. All nonporous surfaces with a diluted bleach solution, allow them to air-dry on a dish.. Soak my coffee cups in bleach everytime the look grungy it straight pose problems with paper..